re: Standing in my dads toolshed is upsetting to think what most look like today

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I love old tools, got this brace and bit from the shop guy at our local hardware store. I think it is at least 60 years old but it still works beautifully.

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Quality new bit braces are hard to find they are mainly used by Windsor (or similar) chair makers. Seloron (French) makes a decent one but most use old Yankee 2101a braces, they were also made under Stanley and Bell Systems names.

Stanley made a lot of good handplanes especially pre-war but aren't as good as some of the best modern ones like Lie-Nielsen and Veritas not to mention Bridge City or Holtey. Holtey is in another world even for infill planes a Holtey 928 smoother will run you over $10k.

Plenty of good old chisels as well but I still prefer the new steels better from Veritas, Lie Nielson, Phiel, and Blue Spruce. Part of the reason I prefer new or modern is I just don't have the time to rust-hunt or fettle them when I do have them. I have a friend in VA that worked as the luthier at Colonial Williamsburg for decades and has the most incredible collection of vintage woodworking tools I have ever seen. His name is George Wilson and this is some of his work done completely with handtools.